OPINION
Newcastle United take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James’ Park on Sunday looking to build on Wednesday’s encouraging 1-1 draw at Everton.
The Magpies put in a much-improved performance against the Toffees after last Saturday’s crushing home defeat to West Ham United, and now welcome Nuno Espirito Santo’s side to Tyneside.
Rafael Benitez rung the changes somewhat in mid-week and it’s up to the former Liverpool boss to determine how many alterations to make for Sunday’s game.
The Spaniard would be well advised to make four switches from Wednesday’s draw, with Jamaal Lascelles, Javier Manquillo, Christian Atsu and Mohamed Diame dropping out, in favour of Ciaran Clark, Matt Ritchie, Jonjo Shelvey and Yoshinori Muto – more than enough to secure victory over Wolves.
Martin Dubravka is the main man between the posts for Newcastle and must continue on Sunday, while DeAndre Yedlin doesn’t have much competition and should keep his place at right back.
Benitez switched to a five man defence against Everton but will likely change back to a four man defence for Sunday’s game, with Lascelles dropping out in the middle. Federico Fernandez and Fabian Schar keep their places at centre half, while Clark’s defensive solidity should give him the nod over Manquillo at left back.
Atsu started on the right at Goodison Park due to Ritchie being suspended, but the Scot should come back into the line up here. The Chronicle reported on Friday that Kenedy was a doubt for the game, which will probably see Jacob Murphy continue on the left hand side of midfield.
Ki Sung-yueng has been excellent in recent weeks and deserves to keep his place in the centre of midfield, but misfiring stalwart Diame should drop out in favour of Shelvey.
Muto is back to full fitness and should be given the nod ahead of Ayoze Perez up front. The Spaniard has disappointed of late and the Japan international deservers his shot. Salomon Rondon must continue alongside him after scoring on Wednesday.
